[whatwasithinking]

Hi all! I am Sherry. I adopted two beagles male and female ages 8 and 6. I have only had them for 3 days. I wanted older dogs to avoid the puppy stage. They are Max and Hattie. Max is overweight. Hattie is grossly obese. I need to get pictures up but I can't find my cord. I am concerned about their weight and joint health. They are totally obsessed with food. Not just beagly obsessed...they are crazy, aggressive obsessed. Max growls at me and my 5 yr old daughter when I try to remove him from under the table at meal time. Hattie barks incessantly at the table and I don't know how to get them away and quiet. Max barks incessantly outside at anything. I had a workman over yesterday and he tried to bite his bottom. I have no clue what to do or where to start to change their behaviours. I have started them on a diet to decrease the weight. I'm losing my mind with the endless barking. They stand by the patio doors and bark if the wind blows or whatever. I imagine I am not the first and I have alot to learn. Please give me your advice. Thanks, Sher

 

[RosCole]

Hello and welcome!
First, it is wonderful that you adopted 2 older dogs.

You mention wanting to avoid the puppy stage, however, what comes with older dogs is baggage, usually unknown baggage. The aggression is a huge concern and needs to be addressed right away, especially since you have a young child.

I am not a professional and cannot offer any advice regarding this issue, except only that you consult a trainer/behaviorist. Have you spoken to your vet about the aggression?

It will take a lot of patience and consistency to address each of their issues, I wish you a lot of luck and I am sure there is someone on here that can help you more specifically!

 

[whatwasithinking]

Thanks for the welcome. I've just had the dogs a few days and don't have first appt until Thursday but I will definitely speak to them about it. I have been looking for trainers/behaviourists in my area. I know there must be some actions I can implement to make this a successful, ENJOYABLE experience but right now I'm having difficulty feeling it. haha

 

[stacym]

Hi I agree with Ros the food aggression is the first thing that needs to be addressed.

Did you get them privately or from a rescue centre if it is the latter you ought to contact the centre about your concerns.

Stacy

 

[whatwasithinking]

Hi Stacy! Thanks for your reply. The food aggression must be first thing addressed, you are right. I got them from a lady who took care of her mom and her mom passed away. They were mom's dogs since weaning on Max and about age 1 yr on Hattie (she was a NC rescue found on the street). She tried to keep the dogs but just couldn't with hard times and things going on in her life. I did talk to her this morning. She said that Mom had Alzheimer's and did alot of feeding from the table although they did try to stop that. That explains their behaviours and their obesity. She said they put them on their bed in another room while they ate. I am feeling a bit more calm and hopeful this morning. I appreciate you guys very much. I just need to keep reading and getting advice.

 

[stacym]

With the food you need to show them that you are in control of it just put a small amount in the bowl then when they look to you for more give it to them in small amounts. Don't talk to them while feeding them just sit close by gradually as you progress with them move closer to them. Don't try to take the food away from them and don't touch them while they are eating. Over time you should be able to touch them. But never let ur daughter near them when they have food for obvious reasons.

 

[whatwasithinking]

Thanks Stacy! I will begin to do that. I never allow daughter and dogs together when food is involved now for those very reasons. Thanks for your help.